Mohmand, Dasu dams’ costs surge by over Rs1.6 trillion, NA told

ISLAMABAD: The cost of two major hydropower projects, Mohmand and Dasu dams, has increased sharply, with revised estimates showing multi-trillion-rupee escalations, according to documents presented in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Water Resources told lawmakers that combined cost overruns for the Mohmand and Dasu hydroelectric projects have risen by about Rs1.607 trillion.

Mohmand Dam cost more than doubles

The ministry said that the estimated cost of the Mohmand Dam has increased from Rs309.55 billion under the approved PC-I to Rs665.74 billion under the revised estimate.

This reflects an increase of around Rs356.18 billion, according to official documents.

The ministry said that the revised PC-I for the project is currently under approval with the Planning Ministry.

Officials said that funds originally allocated for local population development under the project have also been revised upwards from Rs160 million to Rs4.5 billion.

Dasu Dam sees multi-trillion rupee revision

The cost of the Dasu Hydropower Project has also been significantly revised.

According to documents, the original estimated cost of Rs486.093 billion has increased to Rs1.737 trillion under the revised PC-I.

The ministry said the revised plan was approved by the National Economic Council in December 2025.

Cost escalation for the Dasu project stands at approximately Rs1.251 trillion rupees, according to the official briefing.

Higher allocations for local development

The ministry also informed the assembly that allocations for local population development under the Dasu project have been significantly increased from Rs7 billion to Rs57 billion in the revised plan.

Officials said that the revisions reflect updated planning requirements and implementation adjustments for large-scale infrastructure development.

The briefing was part of proceedings in the National Assembly session, where lawmakers were informed about ongoing infrastructure costs and revisions in major public sector projects.